The office was quiet when I arrived, most employees having left for the day. I weed the solitude, immediately immersing


    myself in my healing crystal designs.


    The intricate patterns required such concentration that my wolf finally settled, allowing me a few hours of respite from my emotional turmoil. The familiar rhythm of sketching, calcting energy flows, and adjusting crystal alignments soothed my


    frayed nerves.


    After several hours, I stretched my stiff muscles and checked my phone. Several missed calls from Lucas ckwood lit up the


    screen.


    I returned his call, surprised when he answered immediately despite thete hour.


    "Olivia," his deep voice rumbled through the phone, sending an unexpected warmth through me. "I was concerned when you


    didn''t answer."


    "I''ve been working," I exined, touched by his concern. "Lost track of time."


    "I took the liberty of ordering from Amber Crest," Lucas said. "Their venison is particrly good for healing. It should be


    arriving at your office shortly."


    As if on cue, a gentle knock sounded at my door. A delivery person stood outside with several containers of food.


    "You didn''t have to do that," I said, epting the delivery with a nod of thanks.


    "I wanted to," Lucas replied simply. "Also, I''ll be returning to Shadow Creek in three days,"


    frowned, surprised by this news. "That''s much sooner than you nned. Is everything alright with your grandfather?"


    "Patriarch Winston is stable," Lucas assured me. "The business matters were resolved more quickly than anticipated."


    Concern for his well-being made me soften my voice. "Your grandfather will understand if you need more time. Don''t overexert


    yourself."


    "I appreciate your concern," he said, his wolf''s energy steady and calm through our connection. "But I''m fine, I''ll


    Il see you when I


    return "


    After exchanging a few more words, we ended the call. I opened the containers Lucas had sent, savoring the rich vors of perfectly prepared venison and roasted vegetables.


    My wolf strengthened from the nourishment, its presence settling morefortably within me. With renewed energy, I decided


    to visit my mother at the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den.


    Evelyn Winters looked better than she had in days, her color improved and her


    smile genuine when I entered her room. Seeing her


    recovery brought the first real smile to my face since Connor''s betrayal.


    +30 Bonus


    "You look tired, dear," she observed, patting the edge of her bed.


    I sat beside her, taking her hand in mine. "I''m fine, just working hard."


    "Too hard," she chided gently. "You need to rest."


    I squeezed her hand, grateful for her maternal concern. "I will. You focus on


    getting better, alright? Don''t worry about pack news


    or anything upsetting."


    After speaking with Dr. Harrison Fletcher about my mother''s improving condition, I


    left the hospital with a lighter step than


    before. At least one thing in my life was going well.


    Night had fallen by the time I reached my cottage at Maple Grove. As I approached my door, a familiar scent made my wolf instantly alert


    Pine, power, and the sharp tang of moonberry wine.


    Alpha King Ethan Stone was waiting for me, his powerful frame leaning against the wall beside my door. The moonlight cast harsh shadows across his face, highlighting the tension in his jaw.


    I approached cautiously, my wolf wary and alert. Ethan''s amber eyes tracked my movement, their usual sharpness dulled slightly


    by alcohol


    Before I could speak, he moved with supernatural speed, closing the distance between us in a heartbeat. Strong arms pulled me


    into a tight embrace, his scent enveloping mepletely.


    Pine, power, and moonberry wine-the scent brought unwanted memories of our past together, of happier times before Lily''s


    illness, before Victoria''s maniption had torn us apart.


    "Ethan Stone, let me go," 1 demanded firmly, keeping my voice steady despite the turmoil his touch created within me.


    I didn''t struggle, recognizing the futility of fighting against his Alpha strength. My wolf, traitorously, wanted to lean into his embrace, to ept thefort he offered.


    Ethan buried his face in my neck, where our mating mark had once been prominent. His breath was warm against my skin as he


    murmured, his voice rough with emotion and alcohol.


    "Liv


    let''s start


    over."